Mixed finite element approximation of eddy current problems

Abstract

Finite element approximations of eddy current problems that are entirely based on the magnetic field H are haunted by the need to enforce the algebraic constraint curlH = 0 in non-conducting regions. As an alternative to techniques employing combinatorial Seifert (cutting) surfaces in order to introduce a scalar magnetic potential, we propose mixed multi-field formulations, which enforce the constraint in the variational formulation. In light of the fact that the computation of cutting surfaces is expensive, the mixed finite element approximation is a viable option despite the increased number of unknowns.